Blues' Pronger gets 4-game suspension

November 02, 1995|By Sandra McKee

St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger has been suspended for four games without pay and fined the maximum allowed $1,000 for slashing Washington Capitals right wing Pat Peake during last Sunday's game.

"He used his stick in a reckless manner," said Brian Burke, the NHL's director of hockey operations. "All players should be aware that reckless or careless use of the stick which results in injury to an opponent will be subject to supplementary discipline."

At the time of the injury no call was made on the play, despite the fact that Pronger's stick was high and swung like a baseball bat.

Peake suffered a fractured thyroid cartilage and will be sidelined at least one month, but will be allowed to work out daily without contact.

"We sent in the video, and we don't do that unless we think there is a serious problem," said Caps general manager David Poile.

"We thought there was a serious problem and the league obviously thought there was, too. So we're happy with the result."